[Kevin OMalley]

Let's just give the job to Burt Rutan. He would save tons of $$$ doing it.

[Archangelsk]

Although I applaud Rutan's efforts and his team did a fantastic job with SpaceShipOne (SS1), it is a quantum leap between sending a pressurized capsule 100 kilometers into low space and putting a payload into space in low earth orbit.

Rutan may one day figure out how to capitalize on space tourism, but as far as heavy lift goes that takes a national effort, an enormous financial commitment and the kind of lift vehicle not seen since Nixon killed the Saturn V program.

Personally, I'm betting on the Chinese getting to the moon before we return. (Primarily because of their commitment to education over BS).

[jb6]

Another job American aren't "willing" to do. Just hire some Mexicans.